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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 - 15, 2025 www.THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.com VOL. 37 • NO. 14 e CHAMPION The official legal organ of DeKalb County, Ga. 50c 64116 00001 Local officials respond to U.S. government shutdown BY CHRISTINE FONVILLE CHRISTINE@DEKALBCHAMP.COM Officials in DeKalb County are stating that although the federal government is shut down as of Oct. 1, work will continue as normal locally. "I want the people of DeKalb County to know that essential county services will continue uninterrupted. Public Safety, sanitation, water services and emergency operations remain fully staffed and operational," stated DeKalb County Government CEO Lorraine Cochran- Johnson on Oct. 2. She added that while national leaders navigate the shutdown and other federal matters, DeKalb County is staying closely connected with state and federal partners and will continue to keep residents informed as updates become available. Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents portions of DeKalb County, made a similar statement and said his office "will continue operating as normal to serve constituents." On Oct. 4 in Stonecrest during New Birth Missionary Baptist Church's monthly King's Table food distribution event, New Birth Senior Pastor Jamal Bryant said he expects to see the effects of the federal government shutdown hit close to home. "A government shutdown doesn't stop rent from being due, utilities from coming in, or families from needing food on the table," said Bryant. "Federal workers and contractors, who represent many of our neighbors, family members, and church members, are struggling through no fault of their own." According to Associated Press, Washington is bracing for what could be a prolonged federal shutdown after lawmakers deadlocked and missed the deadline for funding the government. More than 100,000 Georgians' incomes SEE SHUTDOWN PAGE 6 e Lorraine Cochran AL Chief Executive O-Johnson 11 Board of Commissioners 4 District 1 - Robert Patrick District 2 ' Michelle Long Spears District 3 ' Nicole Massiah District 4 - Chakira Johnson District 5 - Mereda Davis Johnson District 6 - Edward "Ted" Terry District 7 - LaDena Bolton, PhD = Decatur, Georgia Officials in DeKalb County said work will continue locally as normal despite a federal government shutdown, which was ongoing at press time. Photo by Christine Fonville School districts achieve rising graduation rates Of Decatur 1 = Eren" 1 her DEKALB ER ICOLIEGE ACADENT Data from the Georgia Department of Education shows that DeKalb County School District and City Schools of Decatur are making gains in graduating students. Photos by Christine Fonville BY CHRISTINE FONVILLE CHRISTINE@DEKALBCHAMP.COM DeKalb County School District (DCSD) and City Schools of Decatur (CSD) are celebrating some of the highest graduation rates each district has seen in more than a decade. On Sept. 29, officials for each district released the most recent available data and information about graduates, showing gains for DCSD and CSD. Data shows that DCSD's graduation rate rose to 81.4 percent in 2025, marking a 2.7-point increase from the previous year - and the highest number of graduates for the district in more than 10 years. Further data shows that 18 of 23 DCSD high schools (approximately 78 percent) improved their rates, with six schools showing double-digit gains. Elizabeth Andrews High School led with a 28.8-point increase, while Lithonia High School experienced a 12.1-point increase. Cross Keys High School, which achieved a 9.4-point graduation rate increase this year, now meets the criteria for removal from the federally identified Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) Graduation Rate Improvement list later this school year. Officials with DCSD highlighted what they called "significant gains" in certain student subgroups this year, including Black students achieving an 83.4 percent graduation rate; Hispanic students achieving a 70.5 percent graduate rate; and students with SEE GRADUATION PAGE 6 Southwest DeKalb PAGE 10 PAGE 13 Atlanta Peachcrest Corps to celebrate 50 years in south DeKalb with multiple events pages
